The Moths of the British Isles, Second Series: Comprising the Families Noctuidæ to HepialidæSouth, Richard
History
The Moths of the British Isles, Second Series: Comprising the Families Noctuidæ to Hepialidæ
South, Richard
Lepidoptera -- Great Britain; Moths -- Great Britain
The caterpillar (Plate 110, Fig. 3) is green, pretty much of the same tint
as the underside of the ash leaf upon which, and the stalks, it rests by
day. In some examples the general colour inclines to pale brown, or reddish
brown. It may be found during the summer, and where the leaves are seen to
have neat round holes in them, these should be examined, when this
caterpillar will probably be found somewhere adjacent. Ash (_Fraxinus
excelsior_) is the usual food, but possibly privet might answer as a
substitute. The moth is out in August and September, and occurs in most
parts of Southern England where the ash flourishes; its range extends into
South Wales, and northwards to Durham and Northumberland. Only doubtfully
recorded from Ireland, and apparently unknown in Scotland.
SEPTEMBER THORN (_Ennomos erosaria_).
This species, shown on Plate 134, Fig. 6, varies in ground colour from pale
ochreous to pale fulvous; the cross lines approach towards the inner
margin, and sometimes the second line is bent inwards below the middle. The
central spot is generally absent, and when present is exceedingly faint.
The twig-like caterpillar is brownish, with a greenish or purplish tinge.
In its infancy it is a smooth-looking creature, but as it advances in
growth knobs and humps appear, the most prominent of which are on rings 2,
5, 8, and 11; on the {274} last ring there are two points. It feeds on oak
chiefly, but will eat birch, lime, etc.: May to July. The moth is out in
August and September, and occurs more or less frequently in most of the
southern counties of England, but is rather scarce in the Midlands and
northwards. It occurs in South Wales, and has been recorded from the south
of Scotland. Very rare in Ireland.
NOTE.--The species of _Ennomos_ are fond of light, and in suitable spots,
gas and electric lamps, in the streets, or even in the house when windows
are open, will attract these moths. Most of the specimens of _autumnaria_
that have been captured in Britain have occurred at light. _Quercinaria_
is, perhaps, less often noted at light than its allies; but, curiously,
this species is more frequently seen at rest on tree trunks, etc., than are
either of the other kinds. Female moths taken at light may not always be in
first-rate condition, but they will probably lay eggs, and should be kept
for that purpose in a chip box. The caterpillars do not hatch out until the
following spring. Put the eggs in a cool place.
EARLY THORN (_Selenia bilunaria_).
The sexes of the spring or typical form are depicted on Plate 112, Figs. 1
[male], 2 [female], and the paler summer form var. _juliaria_ (July Thorn),
Haworth, is represented by Fig. 3. The underside is shown in Mr. H. Main's
photo of the moth in its natural resting attitude.
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